Help w/ model identification, please.

[Jonathanrotten]

I would greatly appreciate some help identifying the model of this gun. It's a hand ejector, 38 special, and the serial number is C37209x. The barrel is 6 inches long. There isn't a model number anywhere on it. Thanks!

 

[jmace57]

Welcome to the forum.

It is a K frame 38 special. It was before model numbers were started in 1957. It would later become a Model 10. It is circa 1954-56. I think someone took the round sight and filed it to look like the later ramp sight. At the time it was made, it was just called a Military & Police.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a .38 Military & Police (Postwar). It was built before model numbers were assigned in 1957.

 

[DWalt]

It's a C-series Military and Police (M&P) model which probably shipped in the late 1956-early 1957 period. Many collectors would call it a pre-Model 10. The front sight is correct.

 

[Absalom]

Welcome to the forum.

It is a K frame 38 special. It was before model numbers were started in 1957. It would later become a Model 10. It is circa 1954-56. I think someone took the round sight and filed it to look like the later ramp sight. At the time it was made, it was just called a Military & Police.

Actually, the official change to the ramp front sight was made in 1952, so I'd think this gun's sight is original.

 

[Jonathanrotten]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the help.

 

[Alk8944]

As has been said, your gun is a "Named Model", before model numbers were assigned in 1957, known as the "Military & Police" or M&P. The serial number places it toward the end of the 1954-1956 serial range, probably late 1955 to mid 1956. The front sight was changed from half-round to the ramped style yours has in 1952, so yours is absolutely correct

If you are really curious you could request a Factory Letter, but since this is the most common model S&W ever made, several million, it is hardly worth the cost!